St. Landry Parish Architectural Detail, Louisiana 1834

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures an architectural detail from Grand Coteau in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. The building, dating back to approximately 1834, showcases the intricate design elements typical of the period, including elegant doors, fanlights, and decorative screens. These features reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of early 19th-century Southern architecture.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant collection housed at the Library of Congress. This survey aimed to document and preserve the architectural heritage of the American South, making this photograph an important historical record of the region’s built environment.

Acquired from the estate of the photographer in 1953, this photo not only serves as a visual documentation of a specific location but also connects viewers to the rich architectural traditions of Louisiana. KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.